Missed part one? Read it here.
Everyday help and eternal hope
Before our family moved to Cambodia, I believe God gave me a vision. I could see two doors. One was locked and through the keyhole I could see women and children enslaved. The other door was wide open with light pouring through it. I knew this represented Jesus, the light of the world and the gate through whom we are saved (John 10:9).
The compulsion I felt was that we had to not only get the women out of their suffering but also lead them into Christ, who alone could transform them from the inside out and meet their greatest need, namely, reconciliation with God. We went on to teach life skills, find housing, training opportunities and jobs for exploited women, while keeping evangelism and discipleship central and we saw what Jesus can do in the lives of very broken people.
Many Christians have heard the quote often attributed to Francis of Assisi, ‘Preach the gospel and if necessary, use words’. Yes, our whole lives should point people to Jesus, but words are necessary to explain who Jesus is; why he came; what he did to redeem us and what it means to follow him. Evangelism, discipleship and compassionate acts of service are integrated in a biblical vision of mission – one that echoes the life and teaching of Jesus.
All over the world, SIM workers are serving people at their point of need and faithfully sharing the message people need to hear. Our values in SIM include concern for human need and commitment to biblical truth and we are committed to making disciples of Jesus where he is least known.
This combination of sharing the gospel and practical care, of healing and telling, of declaration and demonstration, is one of the things I love about SIM. SIM’s summary of our core values states that we are ‘Compassionate’ which we unpack to mean that “We are people of love. We humbly offer compassionate, holistic service and eternal hope, through the knowledge of Jesus Christ.”
The Impact of Christ-like Love
History abounds with examples of Christ-like love in action. Caring for the needy was built into the early church from the beginning (see Acts 2-6). Paul gave instructions to Timothy to ensure those in need were looked after and was urged by the Jerusalem elders to “continue to remember the poor” (Galatians 2:10).
In the 2nd century AD, Justin Martyr described common practice in Christian meetings where “they took up an offering for all who are in need: orphans, widows, the sick, those in want, strangers sojourning among us.” The Roman emperor Julian said of Christians during the 300s that “they support not only their poor but ours as well.” He was annoyed and saw it as part of the reason for the growth of Christianity!
Today, communities in Northern Nigeria that have previously been hostile to gospel witness have been open to hearing the gospel following the care shown on medical outreaches. Dr. Yohannes Ymer, SIM Director in Nigeria, says that in these communities, people come not only seeking physical healing but also spiritual hope.
“I have witnessed hearts softened by kindness, ears opened to the message of salvation, and lives transformed by the love of Christ. Often, hundreds gather — many of whom are ready to receive the good news. Their openness to prayer and their hunger for truth are unmistakable. “They really need health care; they really need Jesus,” adds Ymer. “Our ‘prescription’ is not just medicine — it is Jesus.
“Through tangible acts of healing, we demonstrate the heart of the Father. We proclaim his love in word and deed, and the response is overwhelming. Even in areas of strong religious influence, people listen, pray, and respond.”
Motives Matter
It is important to say that, like Jesus, we extend our love and help to people whether or not they become interested in following him. People are not projects; we must genuinely care about their lives and about their eternity. We are all made in God’s image and loved by him unconditionally. So, our love is indiscriminate and extravagant, with no strings attached.
Mission in View of God’s Mercy
In view of God’s mercy, we offer up our lives to serve in grateful response: “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my life, my soul, my all.” Our gratitude for God’s amazing love shown at the cross overflows into mission, into serving others with humility, compassion and love and into sharing the message of the gospel.
May his love for us daily fuel our love for and witness to those around us. Who is God asking you to show his compassion to? How and where could you combine word and deed in Jesus’ name? We have opportunities to demonstrate God’s love and declare his good news with teams around the world, so please get in touch to begin a conversation.
By Alex Hawke